I have really grown to enjoy these long bus journeys.  Today I have the front seat on the upper deck, providing a continuous 180 deg view, for crossing the high Andes from Salta, Argentina, to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The first awe-inspiring site was the area around Purmamarca, known as The Land of Seven Colors for the many shades of red and brown through green and purple the hillsides take. Continue reading Crossing the Alta Puna →

Cicuito Chico walk Friday,15th, then the next day Sarah and I hiked up to the well-known climbing area The Frey.  CC was a must-do because Sarah had picked up post cards highlighting it from the limited post office supply in San Martin.  It ended up being a good inspiration.  Beginning at Puerto Panuelos, there are several short trails through Valdivian forest and along small coves of the huge, 100 km glacial relic, Lago Nahuel Huapi.  The highlight being the views atop Cerro Lao Lao. Continue reading The Frey →

As I write on the bus from San Martin to Bariloche, passing through the seven lakes region of Neuquen, I realize what a treat it is to have connections in far off places.  Pedro’s family opening their cottage to us was huge, but there were also little things; like when they gave us a couple of locally caught rabbits, which we turned into a dish inspired from Sarah’s Mexico travels and a stew for our last couple of days in Quila Quina. Continue reading San Martin to Bariloche →

Pedro hooked me up well here.  I’m writing from his family’s vacation home in Quila Quina, near San Martin de Los Andes.  It is a tiny town with only about twenty year round residents.  Many are Mapuche with their land protected due to it being in Lanin National Park.  The area is perfect for short walks and swims in chilly, but refreshing, 600m deep Lago Lacar. Continue reading Quila Quina →